Acer TravelMate 540 Series User Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Acer Manuals
  4. Laptop
  5. TravelMate 540 Series
  6. User manual
Acer TravelMate 540 Series User Manual

Acer TravelMate 540 Series User Manual

Acer travelmate laptop pc user's guide 540
Hide thumbs Also See for TravelMate 540 Series:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual See also: Service Manual
TravelMate 540 series
User's guide

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Acer TravelMate 540 Series

Summary of Contents for Acer TravelMate 540 Series

  • Page 1 TravelMate 540 series User’s guide...
  • Page 2 Serial number: ___________________________________ Purchase date: ___________________________________ Place of purchase: ________________________________ Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Other company's product names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to their respective companies.

  • Page 3: First Things First

    2 Click on AcerSystem User’s Guide. Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. For instructions on how to use Adobe Acrobat Reader, access the Help menu. For more information about our products, services, and support information, please visit our Web site (global.acer.com).

  • Page 4: Basic Care And Tips For Using Your Computer

    Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off To turn on the computer, simply press and release the power button on the top left of your TravelMate. See page 3 for the location of the power button.

  • Page 5: Taking Care Of Your Ac Adapter

    • Do not spill water or any other liquid on the computer. • Do not subject the computer to heavy shock and vibration. • Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt. • Never place objects on top of the computer to avoid damaging the computer.
  • Page 6 Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. To clean the display screen, use an LCD cleaning kit. If any of the following occurs: • The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged. •...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Traveling with the computer Traveling internationally with the computer Securing your computer Using a computer security lock Using passwords 2 Customizing my computer Expanding through options Connectivity options Connecting to Acer EasyPort replicator Using system utilities Notebook Manager Launch Manager BIOS Utility...
  • Page 8 viii 3 Troubleshooting my computer Frequently-asked questions Requesting service International Traveler’s Warranty (ITW) Before you call Appendix A Specifications Appendix B Notices Index...

  • Page 9: Getting To Know Your Travelmate

    1 Getting to know your TravelMate...
  • Page 10 Your TravelMate computer combines high- performance, versatility, power management features and multimedia capabilities with a unique style and ergonomic design. Work with unmatched productivity and reliability with your new power computing partner.

  • Page 11: A Travelmate Tour

    A TravelMate tour After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new TravelMate computer. Front view Item Display screen Launch keys Power button Description Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays computer output.
  • Page 12 Item Touchpad Click buttons (left, center and right) Infrared port Floppy disc drive (or card reader, if installed) Floppy eject button Speakers Palmrest Keyboard Status indicators Latch 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse. The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons;...

  • Page 13: Left View

    Left view Item Optical drive Optical drive indicator Eject button Emergency eject slot PC Card eject button PC Card slots Headphone/ Speaker/Line-out jack Microphone/Line-in jack Description Houses an optical drive module (CD-ROM , DVD-ROM or DVD/CD-RW combo drive). Lights up when the optical drive is active. Ejects the drive tray.

  • Page 14: Right View

    Note: The positions of the optical drive indicator, eject button and emergency eject hole may differ depending on the optical drive module installed. Right view Item USB port Ventilation slot Power jack 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Connects to Universal Serial Bus devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).

  • Page 15: Rear View

    Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector). Connects to a parallel device (e.g., parallel printer). Connects to Universal Serial Bus devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera). Connects to I/O port replicator or expansion devices (e.g., Acer EasyPort).
  • Page 16 Item Network jack IEEE 1394 port Modem jack 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based network. Connects to an IEEE 1394 device. Connects to a phone line.

  • Page 17: Bottom View

    Bottom view Item Battery bay Battery release latch Cooling fans FDD/card reader cable connector cover AcerMedia Bay AcerMedia Bay release latch Description Houses the computer's battery pack. Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack. Help keep the computer cool. Note: Don’t cover or obstruct the opening of the fans.

  • Page 18: Features

    Features Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features: Performance • Mobile Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor with 512 KB level 2 cache featuring the new Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® technology • Standard 256 MB DDR333 SDRAM, upgradeable to 2 GB on dual soDIMM sockets •...
  • Page 19 Multimedia • 16-bit high-fidelity AC’97 stereo audio • Dual built-in speakers • Built-in microphone • High-speed optical drive Connectivity • High-speed fax/data modem port • Ethernet/Fast Ethernet port • USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports • IEEE 1394 port • Fast Infrared (FIR) port •...

  • Page 20: Indicators

    Indicators The computer has seven easy-to-read status icons below the display screen and on the front. . Icon Function Power Media activity Battery charge Wireless Communication (applicable only when Wireless LAN or Bluetooth installed) 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Lights green when the computer is on and lights orange when the computer is in...
  • Page 21 Icon Function Caps lock Num lock Scroll lock Description Lights when Caps Lock is activated. Lights when Num Lock is activated. Lights when Scroll lock is activated.

  • Page 22: Using The Keyboard

    Using the keyboard The full-sized keyboard includes an embedded numeric keypad, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and twelve function keys. Special keys Lock keys The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock key Description Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in...

  • Page 23: Embedded Numeric Keypad

    Embedded numeric keypad The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters located on the upper right corner of the keycaps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols are not printed on the keys. Desired access Num lock on Number keys on...

  • Page 24: Windows Keys

    Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Description Windows logo Start button. Combinations with this key perform shortcut functions. Below are a few examples: + Tab (Activates next taskbar button) + E (Explores My Computer) + F (Finds Document) + M (Minimizes All) Shift + + R (Displays the Run...

  • Page 25: Hot Keys

    Hot keys The computer employs hot keys or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like screen brightness, volume output. To activate hot keys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hot key combination. Hot key Icon Function...
  • Page 26 Hot key Icon Function Fn-F5 Display toggle Fn-F6 Screen blank Fn-F7 Touchpad toggle Fn-F8 Speaker toggle Fn-↑ Volume up Fn-↓ Volume down Fn-→ Brightness up Fn- ← Brightness down 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both the display screen and external...
  • Page 27 The Euro symbol If your keyboard layout is set to United States-International or United Kingdom or if you have a keyboard with a European layout, you can type the Euro symbol on your keyboard. Note for US keyboard users: The keyboard layout is set when you first set up Windows.

  • Page 28: Launch Keys

    Click on OK. To type the Euro symbol: Locate the Euro symbol on your keyboard. Open a text editor or word processor. Hold Alt Gr and press the Euro symbol. Note: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information.
  • Page 29 Launch key Default application User-programmable User-programmable User-programmable E-Mail E-Mail application Web browser Internet browser application E-Mail Detection Right click the Launch Manager icon on the taskbar and click on E-Mail Detection. In this dialog box, you have the option to enable/disable mail checking, set the time interval for mail checking, etc.

  • Page 30: Touchpad

    Touchpad The built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means that the cursor responds as you move your finger on the surface of the touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides optimal comfort and support. Note: When using an external USB mouse, you can press Fn-F7 to disable the touchpad.
  • Page 31 a page up, down, left or right. This button mimics your cursor pressing on the vertical and horizontal scroll bars of Windows applications. Function Left button Execute Click twice quickly Select Click once Drag Click and hold, then use finger to drag the cursor on the touchpad...

  • Page 32: Storage

    Storage This computer supplies you with the following media storage: • High-capacity Enhanced-IDE Hard Disk • Optical drive Hard Disk The high-capacity Hard Disk is the answer to your storage needs. This is where your programs and data are stored. Optical drive The optical drive bay accepts a wide variety of optional media drive modules for use with your computer.

  • Page 33: Using Software

    Using software Playing DVD movies When a DVD-ROM or DVD/CD-RW combo drive module is installed in the optical drive bay, you can play DVD movies on your computer. Eject the DVD tray and insert a DVD disc; then close the DVD tray. Important! When you launch the DVD player for the first time, the program asks you to enter the region code.

  • Page 34: Audio

    1 Getting to know your TravelMate Audio The computer comes with 16-bit high-fidelity AC’97 stereo audio, and includes a sensitive built-in microphone and dual stereo speakers. There are audio ports on the left side of the computer. See “Left view” on page 5 for more information on connecting external audio devices.

  • Page 35: Power Management

    Power management This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, mouse, floppy drive, Hard Disk, or any connected peripherals. If no activity is detected for a period of time (called an inactivity timeout), the computer stops some or all of these devices in order to conserve energy.

  • Page 36: Moving Around With Your Travelmate

    Moving around with your TravelMate This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer. Disconnecting from the desktop Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories: Save your work in progress. Remove any media, discettes or compact discs, from the drive(s).

  • Page 37: Taking The Computer Home

    you can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing Fn-F4. Then close and latch the display. When you are ready to use the computer again, unlatch and open the display; then slide and release the power button. Note: If the sleep indicator is off, the computer has entered Hibernation mode and turned off.

  • Page 38: What To Bring With You

    drive head. • Pack the computer in a protective case that can prevent the computer from sliding around and cushion it if it should fall. Caution: Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the computer. Pressure against the top cover can damage the screen What to bring with you Unless you already have some items at home, take the following items with you:...

  • Page 39: Traveling With The Computer

    Traveling with the computer Preparing the computer If you are traveling greater distances, for instance, from your office building to a client’s office building or traveling locally. Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home. Make sure that the battery in the computer is charged.
  • Page 40 What to bring with you Bring the following items with you: • AC adapter • Power cord that is appropriate for the country to which you are traveling • Spare, fully-charged battery pack(s) • Proof of purchase, in case you need to show it to Customs officials •...

  • Page 41: Securing Your Computer

    Securing your computer Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer. Security features include hardware and software locks — a security notch and passwords. Using a computer security lock A security keylock notch located on the rear panel of the computer lets you connect a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.

  • Page 42: Using Passwords

    Using passwords Passwords protect your computer from unauthorized access. Setting these passwords creates Serveral different levels of protection for your computer and data: • Supervisor Password prevents unauthorized entry into the BIOS Utility. Once set, you must enter this password to gain access to the BIOS Utility.

  • Page 43: Setting Passwords

    Important! You have three chances to enter a password. If you fail to enter the password correctly after three tries, the system halts. Slide and hold the power button for four seconds to shut down the computer. Then turn on the computer again, and try again.
  • Page 44 1 Getting to know your TravelMate...

  • Page 45: Customizing My Computer

    2 Customizing my computer...
  • Page 46 After learning the basics of your TravelMate computer, let’s get acquainted with the advanced features of your computer. In this chapter, you will learn how to add options, upgrade components for better performance, and customize your computer.

  • Page 47: Expanding Through Options

    Expanding through options Your TravelMate offers you a complete mobile computing experience. Connectivity options Ports allow you to connect peripheral devices to your computer as you would with a desktop PC. Fax/data modem Your computer has a built-in V.92 56 Kbps AC’97 Link fax/data modem. Warning! This modem port is not compatible with digital phone lines.

  • Page 48: Universal Serial Bus

    2 Customizing my computer Built-in network feature The built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-based (10/100 Mbps) or gigabit-LAN network. To use the network feature, connect an Ethernet cable from the network jack on the rear of the computer to a network jack or hub on your network.

  • Page 49: Ieee 1394 Port

    IEEE 1394 port The computer's IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect to an IEEE 1394 supported devices like a video camera or digital camera. See your video or digital camera's documentation for details. PC Card slot The type II / type III CardBus PC Card slot found on the left side of the computer accepts credit-card-sized cards that enhance the usability and expandability of the computer.
  • Page 50 Inserting a PC Card Insert the card into the slot and make the proper connection (e.g., network cable), if necessary. See your card manual for details. Ejecting a PC Card Before ejecting a PC Card: Exit the application using the card. Left-click on the PC Card icon on the taskbar and stop the card operation.

  • Page 51: Connecting To Acer Easyport Replicator

    Connecting to Acer EasyPort replicator The computer's 100-pin connector enables you to connect an Acer EasyPort replicator (optional). Note: The system supports a maximum of six USB devices. Two ports are available on the rear panel, one on the right side, two internal ports are reserved by the system for optional card readers and Bluetooth.

  • Page 52: Memory Upgrade

    Memory upgrade Memory is expandable to 2 GB, employing 128/256/512 MB industry standard soDIMMs (Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules). The computer supports DDR (Double Data Rate) SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory). There are two memory slots on your computer, one of which is occupied by the standard memory.
  • Page 53 Insert the memory module diagonally into the slot (a), then gently press it down (b) until it clicks into place. Replace the memory cover and secure it with the screws. Reinstall the battery pack, and reconnect the AC adapter. Turn on the computer. The computer automatically detects and reconfigures the total memory size.

  • Page 54: Using System Utilities

    Using system utilities Notebook Manager The computer has a built-in system setup program called Notebook Manager. The Windows-based Notebook Manager allows you to set passwords, the startup sequence of the drives, and power management settings. It also shows current hardware configurations. To start the Notebook Manager, press Fn-F2 or follow these steps: Click on Start, Programs, then Notebook Manager.

  • Page 55: Bios Utility

    You can manually switch off the wireless LAN by pressing the button. BIOS Utility The BIOS Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not need to run this utility.
  • Page 56 2 Customizing my computer...

  • Page 57: Troubleshooting My Computer

    3 Troubleshooting my computer...
  • Page 58 This chapter instructs you on how to deal with common system problems. Read it before calling a technician if a problem occurs. Solutions to more serious problems require opening up the computer. Do not attempt to open the computer by yourself. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance.

  • Page 59: Frequently-Asked Questions

    Frequently-asked questions The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer. Easy answers and solutions are provided for each one. I opened the display and pressed the power button, but computer does not start or boot-up. Look at the Power indicator: •...
  • Page 60 Image is not full-screen. The computer display has a native resolution of 1024 x 768 (XGA) for the 14.1” or 1400 x 1050 (SXGA+) for the 15.0”. If you set the resolution lower than this, the screen expands to fill the computer display.
  • Page 61 The keyboard does not respond. Try attaching an external keyboard to the USB ports of the computer. If it works, contact your dealer or an authorized service center as the internal keyboard cable may be loose. The printer does not work. Check the following: •...

  • Page 62: Requesting Service

    Place your proof-of- purchase in the flap located inside the front cover of the ITW passport. If the country you are traveling in does not have an Acer-authorized ITW service site, you can still get in contact with our offices worldwide.
  • Page 63 You are required to provide the following information: Name:________________________________________ Address:______________________________________ ______________________________________________ Telephone number:____________________________ Machine and model type:_______________________ Serial number:_________________________________ Date of purchase:______________________________...
  • Page 64 3 Troubleshooting my computer...

  • Page 65: Appendix A Specifications

    Appendix A Specifications...
  • Page 66 This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.
  • Page 67 Microprocessor • Mobile Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor with 512 KB level 2 cache featuring the new Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® technology with 533 MHz processor system bus Memory • Main memory expandable to 2 GB • Dual 200-pin soDIMM sockets • PC2700 DDR-SDRAM (Double Data Rate-Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) support •...
  • Page 68 Keyboard and pointing device • 84-/85-/88-key Windows keyboard • Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device with 4-way scroll button I/O ports • Two type II / one type III CardBus PC Card slot • One RJ-45 jack (Ethernet 10/100 Base T) • One RJ-11 jack (V.92/56 Kbps modem) •...
  • Page 69 AC adapter • 90 Watt with 19 V DC output • Auto sensing 90 ~ 284 VAC, 47 ~ 63 Hz Options • 128/256/512 MB memory upgrade modules • Additional Li-ion battery pack • Additional AC adapter • Acer EasyPort replicator...
  • Page 70 Appendix A Specifications...

  • Page 71: Appendix B Notices

    Appendix B Notices...
  • Page 72 This appendix lists the general notices of your computer.

  • Page 73: Fcc Notice

    FCC notice This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

  • Page 74: Modem Notices

    Appendix B Notices Notice: Canadian users This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Remarque à l’intention des utilisateurs canadiens Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respected toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada. Modem notices This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules.

  • Page 75: Important Safety Instructions

    Important safety instructions Read these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. Do not use this product near water.

  • Page 76: Laser Compliance Statement

    controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal condition. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service.

  • Page 77: Lithium Battery Statement

    Lithium battery statement The TravelMate 540 series uses the lithium battery, models UR18650G5 and US18650F only. CAUTION Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if at all possible.

  • Page 78: Lcd Pixel Statement

    Appendix B Notices LCD pixel statement The LCD unit is produced with high-precision manufacturing techniques. Nevertheless, some pixels may occasionally misfire or appear as black or colored dots. This has no effect on the recorded image and does not constitute a malfunction. Macrovision copyright protection notice This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S.

  • Page 79: Exposure To Radio Frequency Radiation

    Canada - Industry Canada (IC) ° This device complies with RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Europe - EU Declaration of Conformity This device complies with the standards listed below, following the provisions of the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC: ° ETSI EN 301 489-1/17 °...
  • Page 80 Appendix B Notices This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

  • Page 81: Index

    Index AC adapter caring for AcerMedia drive audio adjusting the volume troubleshooting battery pack caring for charging indicator BIOS utility brightness hotkeys caps lock on indicator care AC adapter battery pack computer CD-ROM ejecting ejecting manually troubleshooting cleaning computer computer bringing to meetings caring for cleaning...
  • Page 82 memory installing 44– 45 upgrading modem network Notebook Manager hotkey notice DVD copyright protection num lock on indicator numeric keypad embedded num lock online services options memory upgrade password types PC Card ejecting inserting ports POST (power-on self-test) printer troubleshooting problems CD-ROM display...

Table of Contents